Melanoma Flashcards
What horses do we most commonly see benign melanomas in?
Aged, grey horses.
What horses do we most commonly see malignant melanomas in?
Non-grey horses.
Describe the 3 histologic features of a benign melanoma.
Well-circumscribed
Low number of mitotic figures
Well differentiated cells
Describe the 2 histologic features of a malignant melanoma.
Large number of mitotic figures
Poorly differentiated cells
What percentage of grey horses over 15 years of age have melanomas?
80%
Where do melanomas occur most frequently on horses?
Perineum of ventral surface of the tail.
NOTE: Sometimes, they can be large enough to block fecal output.
What can you use to cause complete of partial regression of a melanoma?
Cimetidine TID for 3 months, then once regression achieved, SID.
What is done in swine with congenital benign melanomas?
Usually sent to slaughter early.
When do we usually see melanomas in cattle?
Often congenital, or seen in animals
What is an H-plasty?
A plastic surgery pattern often used to correct the defects left after removing a melanoma.
When performing an H-plasty, what do we do to prevent puckering?
Cut triangles at the ends of each arm.
When performing an H-plasty, what types of suture pattern do we want to for sure have across the defect?
Tension relieving sutures like vertical mattress.
